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Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Yair Lapid,

Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel

The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Yair Lapid, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel. They discussed cooperation between Israel and the United Nations, including efforts to combat antisemitism. They also exchanged views on the way forward for the Middle East Peace Process.

New York, 20 September 2022

Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine

The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine.

The Secretary-General and President Abbas discussed developments in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and collective efforts to mobilize resources in support of UNRWA.

The Secretary-General and President Abbas reaffirmed their shared commitment to efforts towards achieving a two-State solution, with Jerusalem as the shared capital of Israel and Palestine, in accordance with international law, relevant UN resolutions and prior agreements.

New York, 19 September 2022

07 August 2022

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the ceasefire in Gaza and Israel

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.

He is deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries, including children, from airstrikes in Gaza and the indiscriminate firing of rockets toward Israel from population centres in Gaza by Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other militant groups.

He extends his deepest condolences to the victims of the violence and their loved ones.

The hostilities have contributed to a humanitarian emergency. Crossings into Gaza have been closed and power shortages are affecting essential facilities and supplies. Hundreds of buildings and homes have been destroyed or damaged, leaving thousands of Palestinians homeless.

The Secretary-General commends Egypt for its efforts carried out, in close coordination with the UN, to help restore calm.

The Secretary-General calls on all sides to observe the ceasefire.

He reaffirms the United Nations’ commitment to the achievement of the two-State solution based on relevant United Nations resolutions, international law, and prior agreements and the importance of restoring a political horizon. Only a negotiated sustainable political solution will end, once and for all, these devastating cycles of violence and lead to a peaceful future for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

Note to correspondents on the funeral of Shireen Abu Akleh

In response to questions asked at the Briefing, the Secretary-General followed today with great sadness the funeral of Palestinian-American journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, in occupied East Jerusalem.

The Secretary-General was moved by the outpouring of sympathy from the thousands of Palestinian mourners over the past two days, a testament to Ms. Abu Akleh’s work and life.

He was deeply disturbed by the confrontations between Israeli security forces and Palestinians gathered at St. Joseph Hospital, and the behavior of some police present at the scene. He continues to urge respect for fundamental human rights, including the rights to freedom of opinion and expression and to peaceful assembly.

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

New York, 13 May 2022

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

On the killing of the Al Jazeera journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh

The Secretary-General is appalled by the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American reporter for Al Jazeera TV, who was shot dead earlier today while covering an operation by Israeli security forces in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank.

He sends his heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms. Abu Akleh and wishes a quick recovery to fellow journalist Ali Samoudi, who was wounded in the same incident.

He calls on the relevant authorities to carry out an independent and transparent investigation into this incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The Secretary-General condemns all attacks and killings of journalists and stresses that journalists must never be the target of violence. Media workers should be able to carry out their work freely and without harassment, intimidation or the fear of being targeted. The Secretary-General reiterates his firm conviction that a free press is essential for peace, justice, sustainable development and human rights.

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

New York, 11 May 2022

Readout of the Secretary-General’s telephone call with H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine

The Secretary-General spoke with H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine on 21 April 2022. The Secretary-General and President Abbas discussed the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly at the Holy Sites in Jerusalem, and efforts to lower tensions, end provocations and unilateral steps, and restore calm. The Secretary-General reiterated that the status quo at the Holy Sites must be upheld and respected.

They reaffirmed their commitment to the achievement of the two-State solution based on relevant United Nations resolutions, international law, and prior agreements and the importance of restoring a political horizon.

The Secretary-General also expressed his concern about UNRWA’s financial situation and assured of his continued efforts to address the financial situation of the Agency.

New York, 23 April 2022

Readout of the Secretary-General’s telephone call with H.E. Mr. Naftali Bennett, Prime Minister of Israel

The Secretary-General spoke with H.E. Mr. Naftali Bennett, Prime Minister of Israel. The Secretary-General and Prime Minister Bennett discussed the situation in Jerusalem, particularly the tensions around the Holy Sites, and efforts to de-escalate current tensions, end provocations and unilateral steps, and restore calm. The Secretary-General reiterated that the status quo at the Holy Sites must be upheld and respected.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed his commitment to the achievement of the two-State solution based on relevant United Nations resolutions, international law, and prior agreements.

The Secretary-General and Prime Minister Bennett also discussed the upcoming visits of the Secretary-General to the Russian Federation and Ukraine.

New York, 23 April 2022

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Jerusalem

The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Jerusalem, particularly the incidents in and around the holy sites.

He is actively engaged with leaders to do all they can to lower tensions, avoid inflammatory actions and rhetoric, and restore calm.

The provocations must stop immediately. The ongoing holy days for Muslims, Jews, and Christians should be a period of peace and reflection, not incitement and violence.

The Secretary-General reiterates that the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem must be upheld and respected.

He is committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.

The Secretary-General also reaffirms the need to avoid the excessive use of force and to stop all unilateral measures, like settlements and evictions, that can undermine the two-state solution.

[END]

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

New York, 20 April 2022

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Jerusalem

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation in Jerusalem.

He calls on leaders on all sides to help calm the situation. Provocations on the Holy Esplanade must stop now to prevent further escalation.

He reiterates his call for the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem to be upheld and respected.

The Secretary-General’s Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process is in close contact with key regional partners and the parties to calm the situation.

The Secretary-General reiterates his commitment to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

New York, 15 April 2022

[ENDS]

29 March 2022, New York

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on recent terrorist attacks in Israel

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General condemns the recent terrorist attacks in Israel, which claimed the lives of at least 11 Israeli citizens. Such acts of violence can never be justified and must be condemned by all.

The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a prompt recovery to those injured.

In the spirit of the upcoming religious holy days, the Secretary-General calls for an immediate end to violence, which only serves to undermine the prospects for peace.